December in Las Vegas is a whirlwind of enormous holiday decorations, mega-Christmas trees and the ringing symphony of slot machines. The city also offers a variety of holiday activities ranging from festive shows to winter wonderlands.
Tour the holiday window displays at retail businesses in Las Vegas. Among the most elaborate of those displays are the windows of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Le Boulevard at Paris and Via Bellagio. Boulevard Mall, Fashion Show mall and the Las Vegas Outlet Center also feature beautifully-designed window displays.
The Bellagio offers a free fountain water show performed to Christmas music. Featured songs include "Hallelujah Chorus," "O Holy Night," "Sleigh Ride" and Santa Baby." The Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provides holiday displays from Dec. 6 through Jan. 2. The displays include a 42-foot Shasta Fir tree decorated with thousands of holiday lights, and a polar bear family made of white carnations. Other attractions are flying reindeer created with whole pecans, a custom-sculpted rocking horse and working Bellagio-emblazoned train.
Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
888-987-6667
bellagio.com
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2010 takes place Dec. 2 through Dec. 11 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Top contestants in bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding will compete for a share of the $5.6 million purse. Other activities include a star-studded lineup of opening acts and the ProRodeo Zone, the exclusive fan interactive area of the Wrangler NFR.
Thomas and Mack Center
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89154
702-895-3761
unlvtickets.com
The Springs Preserve uses a half-million, solar-powered, eco-friendly LED lights to illuminate an eight-acre garden during its annual Winter Lights Festival. Other activities include entertainment from strolling performers, "reindeer" pony rides, festive crafts, visits with Santa and a holiday sleigh. Holiday-inspired treats and green gift options are also available.
Springs Preserve
333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107
702-822-7700
springspreserve.org
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden, approximately 15 minutes from the Vegas Strip in Henderson, hosts special holiday tours from November through early January. The factory hangs more than a half-million holiday lights on its desert plant garden. Other attractions include chocolate houses and sculptures, private visits with Santa and demonstrations of Ethel M Chocolate creations.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
2 Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
702-435-2655
ethelschocolate.com
